AIRWAY DILATION DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF DEPLOYMENTRETRIEVAL

摘要

This invention relates to an airway dilation device comprising a catheter; an inflation tube within the catheter, and having a lumen defined by its inner wall; a duct within the catheter, for the insufflation of a fluid, the duct being sealed against any fluid flow between it and the tube; a cluster of balloons, arranged about the catheter, the balloons being manipulated between a stowed condition, in which the balloons are deflated, and a deployed condition, in which the balloons are inflated; and inflating means, for inflating the balloons; characterised in that, when stowed, each balloon is folded and staggered relative to each adjacent balloon, and such that continuous insufflation remains possible, even when deployed. This invention relates, further, to corresponding methods of deployment of devices.